Archived
News Release

Ontario Providing More Support for Refugees and Vulnerable Newcomers

Enhanced Funding Will Help Newcomers Settle and Succeed

Ontario is supporting refugees, refugee claimants and other vulnerable newcomers by investing in services to help them successfully settle into their new lives in Ontario.

Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, was at the Brampton Multicultural Community Centre today to make the announcement.

A total of 95 projects will receive funding for services to help improve social and economic outcomes for refugees and other vulnerable newcomers, including immediate settlement and long-term integration support.

These programs and services will provide:

Settlement, case management and mental health supports.

Programming tailored to the needs of vulnerable newcomer women and youth, including skills and leadership development, mentoring, peer supports and domestic violence prevention.

Helping newcomers thrive and succeed is part of Ontario's plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change. The plan includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 through the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation.

Quick Facts

Ontario is investing $17.5 million in new funding over two years to enhance targeted services for refugees and vulnerable newcomers.

A total of 95 projects have been funded and must occur between January 2018 and March 31, 2019.

In 2017-18, Ontario is investing over $110 million in newcomer and refugee supports including language training, settlement and employment programs.

In 2016, Ontario received almost half of total refugees to Canada, and 65% of refugee claimants.

Refugees will also continue to settle in Ontario through secondary migration and relocation from other provinces as they explore settlement needs and work opportunities.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“The successful settlement and integration of refugees and vulnerable newcomers is important for the prosperity of our province. This new investment addresses service gaps and helps improve the long-term success of newcomers, giving them the tools and opportunities to make valuable contributions to our communities and our economy.”

Laura Albanese

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

“Programs like the Peel Good Start Refugee Youth Program and Go Girls! in communities like Brampton need our support, which is why it is important that the government of Ontario is investing in these much-needed social and economic integration services for refugees, refugee claimants and vulnerable newcomers, including women. Together we are focused on making Ontario a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”